Verse: Dream-Life

Listen, friend, and I will tell you Why I sometimes seem so glad, Then, without a reason changing, Soon become so grave and sad.

Half my life I live a beggar, Ragged, helpless, and alone; But the other half a monarch, With my courtiers round my throne.

Half my life is full of sorrow, Half of joy, still fresh and new; One of these lives is a fancy, But the other one is true.

While I live and feast on gladness, Still I feel the thought remain, This must soon end,--nearer, nearer Comes the life of grief and pain.

While I live a wretched beggar, One bright hope my lot can cheer; Soon, soon, thou shalt have thy kingdom, Brighter hours are drawing near.

So you see my life is twofold, Half a pleasure, half a grief; Thus all joy is somewhat tempered, And all sorrow finds relief.

Which, you ask me, is the real life, Which the Dream--the joy, or woe? Hush, friend! it is little matter, And, indeed--I never know.